Steering issue

[150Estate]

Not sure if this has been brought up before but during the cold weather my steering got quite heavy...to the point I thought my power steering has failed but since it's warmed up a bit, the steering has improved somewhat... anyone else had this issue or have any idea?

[Dog_Book]

A fair few issues with steering have come up over the years in the troubleshooting section.

[Drogen24]

Have you checked tyre pressure?
When the temperature is colder, the air in the tyres contracts so they effectively deflate and then when it gets warmer, the air expands.

Could explain the difference in steering in different weather conditions.

[northpole]

i found that the standard given tyre pressure makes for a heavy steering car without any feel... so mine are set to 45psi no weird ware pattern on my tires either not in the front nor the back... but it keeps the steering the same regardless of temperature. also if you really want to keep your tires almost always at the same pressure (providing you got good tires and wheels) fill them with nitrogen... yeah it's more expensive but better as it is less prone to react to temperature changes (and one of the reasons it is used on almost every motorsport vehicle tires)

[soulman]

Just a guess .but could it also be a factor that more battery power is being used for heating /blowers/ lights etc etc ? So the power steering is not getting full power ?

[northpole]

the powersteering shouldn't have a problem unless the battery is very weak... but in that case he either tries to rejuvenate the battery by putting it on a trickle charger for a few days or replace the battery with a new one...

[150Estate]

Battery I know is good but will put it on charge over the weekend anyway just in caseTyre pressures might be a factor I guess as I tend to run them between 30-35psi so will try raising the psi to see if that helps...I have Bridgestones on with around 5mm of tread so I know they're fineThanks guys..I will keep you all posted

[Jon1796]

Have you checked fluid levels and connecting plug.

[Trooper325i]

I kinda have a similar problem. My car feels fine on nice even tarmac but when i go over any uneven road there is a lot of movement in my steering wheel and the front and back end of the car feels like its swaying. Ive replaced, shocks, springs, outer track rods and deoplinks. The control arms seem fine and ok the tyres may not be the best condition but if had worse tyres on cars and not had the same affect. I cant seem to pinpoint the issue at all.

[Jon1796]

I kinda have a similar problem. My car feels fine on nice even tarmac but when i go over any uneven road there is a lot of movement in my steering wheel and the front and back end of the car feels like its swaying. Ive replaced, shocks, springs, outer track rods and deoplinks. The control arms seem fine and ok the tyres may not be the best condition but if had worse tyres on cars and not had the same affect. I cant seem to pinpoint the issue at all.

try tightening the nuts that hold the rack in place on subframe had that on both of mine they were slightly loose and the rack would move a couple of mm’s coursing a loose feeling driving down road.
while your at it check blot on uj on bottom of column, subframe bolts are tight and the 3 bolts on wishbones are tight tight.
then it’ll be bushes, ball joints at front and bushes all over rear axle.